One of my favorite books on prayer is entitled Teach us to Pray, by Louis Evely.  As he begins his book, the author writes: “Too many Christians regard God as pilots regard their parachute, namely, good if needed, but better if they can get along without it.”  In our very busy world, and our culture of self-sufficiency, many of us find that we pray only when we’re faced with a situation that’s beyond our control.  And yet, regular, ongoing prayer is so important.  It unites us to God, who is […]

Again, congratulations to you boys and girls who are about to receive our Lord in Holy Communion for the first time in just a few minutes; I’m sure you’re really excited.  You girls look so pretty in your white dresses and you boys look very handsome, too!  What a special moment it is for you – and for all of us – as you receive the Body of Christ and become one with all of us who are the Body of Christ.  Congratulations and welcome!  

It is so fortunate for […]

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER-First Communion

Again, congratulations to you boys and girls who are to receive our Lord in Holy Communion for the first time in just a few minutes; I’m sure you’re really excited.  You girls look so pretty in your white dresses and you boys look very handsome, too!  Do you know why so many of you are wearing white today?  When was the first time many of you wore white to church?  You don’t remember it, but for most of you it was when your parents and godparents […]

We’re all familiar with the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd.  But, what do you know about shepherding sheep?  If you’re like me, probably very little.  One of the important aspects of shepherding sheep, as opposed to herding cattle, is that, unlike cattle, who are best moved along from behind, sheep prefer to be led.  And, in our Lord’s time, almost all families had a little flock of sheep even if they lived in a small town or village.  Family members would take turns between farming their little plots […]